In seconds, a fire can break out and cause devastating financial loss. In the worst-case scenario, the flames can be tragically deadly. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, over 100,000 commercial fires annually result in 130 deaths, 1,200 injuries, and $3 billion worth of property damage. While the possibility of a fire can seem terrifying, you should know that there are actions that can lower risk significantly. In 2022, one fire marshal estimated that up to 96% of fires are preventable. While you can’t avoid every fire, many don’t have to happen. Proper preparation can make a significant difference, and educating yourself and your employees on hidden fire hazards will help keep you safe. You don’t want to wait until a fire erupts to learn the best practices of fire safety.
Hidden Fire Hazards
Dirty Ovens: Many workplaces offer communal kitchens for employees, but are they cleaned regularly? If not, the appliances could pose a risk. Grease can build up in ovens, which can potentially cause a fire. Often, these fires are contained to the stove, but they can cause smoke damage throughout the entire building, and cleanup is usually costly.
Clutter: Is your office messy — papers stacked everywhere and boxes out of control? While you may operate best this way — science shows that clutter has been linked to being more creative — it’s not good for fire safety. Clutter can help a fire spread quickly and impede anyone trying to evacuate quickly. Keeping the building clean can help keep people safe.
Space Heaters: Some offices are just too cold. Where does that leave employees with no control over the temperature? Rather than shiver all day, they sometimes take things into their own hands and purchase space heaters. While they are popular for a reason, they can also be deadly. About 80% of home fire deaths involve space heaters.
Electrical Outlets: Electrical outlets are essential for buildings but can quickly become dangerous. Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, exposed wires, outdated breakers, and an outlet being too old are all reasons an electrical outlet might cause a fire. To prevent electrical fires, it’s essential to inspect your outlets regularly.
Smoking: While it’s no surprise that smoking can cause fires, it’s important to urge employees to dispose of cigarettes appropriately. If your building has an area where smokers congregate, consider placing signs to remind workers not to throw cigarettes in the trash without being fully extinguished. Smoking is linked to nearly 8,000 fires annually — all preventable.
Creating A Fire Prevention Strategy
Hiring a security company is the best way to protect yourself and your organization from fire. State fire regulations can be complex, and you want to ensure you’re up to code. But you don’t have to stop when you meet the minimum standard. A fire prevention system includes alarms, sprinklers, heat detection, fire pumps, and more. You may wonder if a quality system is too expensive, but there is a range of options for every budget. Integrated Security Consultants is a full-service security firm that has protected businesses in Tampa Bay and surrounding areas since 2008. We’d love to work with you to develop a fire strategy that fits your unique needs. Call us at 813-254-0033 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.